The 10 best airports in the world for 2015

Consumer aviation website Skytrax has published its latest annual
World Airport Awards
,and for the third consecutive year, Singapore's Changi International Airport took the crown as the world's best airport. It serves as one of Southeast Asia's largest transit hubs and is a major cog in the city-state's bustling economy.

"To win this prestigious award three years in succession is a remarkable achievement for Changi Airport Singapore, and underlines its popularity amongst air travellers as the world's Best Airport," Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said. "Changi Airport lives up to its reputation as the world's Best Airport and rather than dwell on earlier success, the airport continues to innovate and concentrate on making the customer experience in the airport environment the most enjoyable."

The Skytrax annual rankings are based on the impressions of over 13 million flyers from 112 countries. More than 550 airports were included in the survey, which covers 39 service and performance parameters, including facility comfort, location of bathrooms, and the language skills of the airport staff.

8. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Yearly passengers: 72.4 million

Previous rank: 10

Why it's awesome: Heathrow is the world's third-busiest airport and the largest of the five primary airports serving London.

Heathrow is in the midst of a major renovation with the addition of a brand new Terminal 2 building. It's seven-year-old Terminal 5 building was named the best airport terminal in the world by Skytrax.

Heathrow serves as the main hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

7. Central Japan International Airport (NGO)

Yearly passengers: 9.8 million

Previous rank: 12

Why it's awesome: Built on an artificial island in the middle of Ise Bay near the city of Nagoya, Central Japan International — also known as Centrair — serves as a focus city for Japan Airlines and ANA.

Centrair holds the distinction as the best regional airport in the world.

It has a 1,000-foot-long sky deck where passengers can watch ships sail into Nagoya Port. There's also a traditional Japanese bathhouse where you can have a relaxing soak while watching the sunset over the bay.

6. Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Yearly passengers: 24.9 million

Previous rank: 8

Why it's awesome: Just eight miles from the heart of Zurich, the airport serves as the home for Swiss International Air Lines and as a hub linking Switzerland's largest city with the rest of the country.

For passengers with an extended layover, Zurich Airport offers bicycle and inline-skate rentals and excursions to the Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne.

5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)

Yearly passengers: 68.9 million

Previous rank: 6

Why it's awesome: Haneda is one of two major international airports that serve the Tokyo area. Located a few miles away from the heart of the Japanese capital, Haneda has proved to be a popular port of entry for business travelers and tourists.

The world's fourth-busiest airport, Haneda is know for its service efficiency, cleanliness, and shopping.

2. Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Yearly passengers: 41.7 million

Previous rank: 2

Why it's awesome: Once again, Incheon is the world's second best airport. Located on an island just outside of the South Korean capital, Incheon is home base to Korean Air and is the 24th-busiest airport in the world. It opened in 2001.

Incheon's highly regarded facilities feature an array of shopping and dining options, in addition to a bevy of cultural performances. The airport even has a Korean culture museum.

1. Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN)

Yearly passengers: 53.7 million

Previous rank: 1

Why it's awesome: For the third year in a row, Changi takes the crown as the world's best airport. Changi serves as home to Singapore Airlines, Silkair, and Tigerair and is the 13th busiest airport in the world.

The Singaporean airport has received praise from flyers for its beautiful architecture, efficient operation, luxurious amenities, and broad offering of dining and shopping options.

Flyers passing through are treated to movie theaters, a multimedia entertainment deck, spas, and a wild corkscrew slide.